Hull Blyth plans $50m dry port in Ogun to boost economy, create jobs

Hull Blyth Nigeria, a shipping and cargo services company, has concluded arrangements to locate a $50 million dry port at Wasimi, about 5 kilometres to the cement plant of Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The dry port which, according to Christian Holm, managing director, Hull Blyth Nigeria, would be completed within a year of construction, reportedly has the possibility of creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians, especially Ogun State residents.

Speaking in Abeokuta during a working visit to Bimbo Ashiru, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, the managing director disclosed that the dry port was conceived to serve as an extension of seaports in Lagos State when completed.

Holm said the construction of the proposed dry port would be undertaken by Hull Blyth Nigeria, a century-old shipping and cargo services firm, using the best technology available. “We want to take advantage of the state’s nearness to Lagos as well as its conducive business environment,” he said.

Responding, Bimbo Ashiru noted that government was ready to fast-track the acquisition and allocation of land to prospective investors in addition to the required infrastructure and security, just as he expressed satisfaction with the influx of investors to the state.

Ashiru submitted that the influx of industries and investments into the state was a clear indication that the state was taking right steps in its industrialisation drive. He, however, warned that government would not condone acquiring lands for speculative purposes to the detriment of its industrialisation drive.

“We don’t want people to buy lands for speculative reasons. Investors coming into the state must be ready to use land for what it is requested for,” Ashiru warned.

RAZAQ AYINLA